Pitt prof accused of using university money to buy painkillers waives hearing

PITTSBURGH - A University of Pittsburgh pharmacy professor has waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges that he used school and federal grant money to buy prescription anti-anxiety drugs and painkillers, which he then injected.

Billy Day, 52, was charged in September with 18 counts of obtaining controlled substances through misrepresentation since January 2011.

University police began investigating after the school's pharmacy chair contacted them about "suspicious" purchases Day was making.

When Pitt police and drug agents later found drugs in Day's office, he allegedly told them he was using the drugs and seeking rehab.

Phillippe Melograne, the defense attorney for Day, declined to comment on the charges but said Day is cooperating with investigators and trying to make "positive changes" in his life.

At last check, university officials said Day’s employment status was under review.